At the Emirates Stadium on Saturday, 7 February 2026, Arsenal delivered a performance that was equal parts authority and emotion, securing a convincing 3–0 victory over Sunderland and stretching their lead at the top of the Premier League to nine points. Amid crisp movement, tactical coherence and a standout impact from the bench, Mikel Arteta’s side showed why they are serious contenders for the title, blending quality with purpose and depth.
The Emirates Stadium was buzzing long before kick-off. Arsenal’s supporters knew this was more than a routine fixture; it was another chance to assert dominance, maintain momentum and deepen their grip on the title race. Sunderland, under Regis Le Bris, arrived with grit and organisation but understood that neutralising Arsenal’s attacking machine would require discipline and precision.
Arsenal’s starting lineup featured a familiar attacking structure with David Raya in goal; a defensive quartet including William Saliba and Gabriel, a midfield where Martin Zubimendi and Declan Rice worked to control tempo; and a front line boasting creative threats like Leandro Trossard, Kai Havertz, Noni Madueke and Viktor Gyokeres.
The game’s first half was a showcase of Arsenal’s tactical intelligence. Arsenal controlled possession, moved the ball crisply and probed Sunderland’s disciplined block. Sunderland, for their part, defended with structure but could not prevent the eventual breakthrough.
The opener came in the 42nd minute from an unexpected source: Martin Zubimendi. Receiving the ball just outside the box, Zubimendi unleashed a stunning long-range strike that sailed past Sunderland goalkeeper Robin Roefs, a reminder of his quality beyond defensive duties and a moment that electrified the Emirates crowd. Arsenal went into halftime firmly in command at 1–0.
The second half began much like the first had ended, with Arsenal firmly in control and Sunderland searching for openings. However, the visitors had barely regained their shape when Arsenal struck again.
In the 66th minute, Arsenal made an impact substitution that would change the complexion of the match. Viktor Gyokeres, brought on to inject fresh attacking impetus, needed only minutes to alter the narrative. A slick passing move saw Kai Havertz draw defenders before releasing Gyokeres with a perfectly timed pass inside the penalty area. The Swedish forward, though slippery on his feet, barreled forward and finished clinically past Roefs to put Arsenal 2–0 up, a scoreline that reflected Arsenal’s increasingly dominant control.
Sunderland showed glimpses of resistance, including forcing Arsenal goalkeeper David Raya into a couple of saves, but struggled to transition from defence to attack consistently. Their best early second-half chance saw Raya push a low strike from Chemsdine Talbi away, but Arsenal’s organisation limited clear goal-scoring opportunities.
Just when Arsenal seemed set to see out the match comfortably, Gyokeres delivered once more in stoppage time (90’+3′), racing onto a through ball and finishing with composure and precision. The goal, Arsenal’s third, was the perfect punctuation to a performance that was controlled yet dynamic, efficient yet expressive.
Gyokeres’ brace, coming after his introduction from the bench, highlighted both his personal impact and Arsenal’s strength in depth. The Swedish striker’s movement, anticipation and finishing were influential, and his late goal left Emirates supporters celebrating and rivals taking note.
Arsenal’s win stretched their Premier League lead to nine points, a margin that not only reflects their season consistency but also signals belief within the squad. With 39 points remaining in the campaign, their momentum is palpable.
For Sunderland, this was always expected to be a tough challenge. They defended with courage, but Arsenal’s quality and depth told in the end. Their campaign continues to be respectable, but this result reminds fans of the gulf between ambitious mid-table sides and those challenging at the summit.
Arsenal’s 3–0 victory over Sunderland was a microcosm of their season, well-balanced, well-executed and filled with quality at key moments. This was not simply a home win; it was a statement of intent, one that reinforces their status as genuine title contenders.
